Hello Kat, Thought I'd respond to your questions as a
past RM of Multi -Day Rides in the East. We thought of it back in the 80's
here in Va. We came up with a 4 day 200 at the Ft. Valley Ride after doing
a 2 day 100 and then a 3 day 150 in previous years to try and build
support. At the 4 day there were 8 starters with one finisher that the
Vets would not give BC because the horse was not worthy in their opinion.
So, my thoughts would be that ...Yes it has been thought of, Yes there are
trails, at least here in Va., its just too hard and grueling, and Yes there was
not the interest of riders due to the severity of trail. The S2S is about
the only one I remember that has gone on for a long time and from what I can
remember its tough because of the sand. What it does take,
that is lacking in the East is a person or people with the commitment to do
Multi -Day Rides which are in my opinion a better test of horse and rider than
even a 1 day 100. We just don't have any Crocketts or Randys or Ducks out
here, only Wayne at the S2S. The Ft. Valley Ride has 3 days and the course
is breathtaking, the management is superb, the vets are top notch, the people
are great and anyone with the inclination should attend and support
it. And anyone, especially in the South East, that has an interest in
MultiDays should take it upon themselves to do it knowing they will
probably loose money, become physically exhausted over the course of
time, and give back to the sport in the form of Multi-Days. But
I don't think it will ever be popular out here because of severity of trail,
climatic conditions and support of riders, tho I would love to be proven
wrong. tom sites
